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Portsmouth proved that the African Nations Cup was going to effect their Premiership European hopes this season as they fell to a 2-0 loss at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson bagged an excellent brace.
Both sides struggled to create meaningful chances in the opening stages of the match and neither goalkeeper was truly tested.
Niko Kranjcar came closest for Portsmouth but Craig Gordon palmed his speculative shot away from goal.
But after 33 minutes Richardson took charge of the game. The Pompey defence froze, claiming a foul on Sol Campbell, but play was allowed to go on.
Kenwyne Jones then found Richardson, who had made a great supporting run, in the box and he applied the finish despite the attentions of two defenders.
Ten minutes later he was at it again, running at the Pompey defence after claiming the ball from team-mate Daryl Murphy.
Full-back Herman Hreidarsson backed off sufficiently for the winger to unleash a powerful shot that went into the corner of the goal.
Portsmouth worked their way back into the game in the second half, creating more pressure on the Black Cats' defence than in the first half, but it was too late - Sunderland had sealed an important 3 points.
Written by majicka
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